Happy Father's Fay / Winning the Models Own Summer competition (Blog post to come!) / Loving Angelina Jolie and her adorable little family lately / Sunny days in the garden with the chikens / Notebooks too pretty to use! / Piano evenings / Tattoo idea inspired by my idol of 14 years, Johnny Depp / An important quote to keep in mind this week / Another tattoo idea, "24"

Four hours of travelling every day / Rose Bath bomb / A rosewater bath - the best thing ever / Somebody has finally gotten me into Game of Thrones! Now all I need to do is catch up... / Discussing some of my favourite art works, by Jake and Dinos Chapman / Daniel Radcliffe Appreciation Post / Giving away free Coca Cola at London Euston Station #sharewithfriends - an amazing pick me up after a long, hot day / Finally got my hands on my favourite lipstick (inspired by Maleficent) after weeks of it being out of stock! New favourite shower gel

"Yeah we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun." / No wonder I was obsessed with this man for over 10 years! / Release of the introduction for my new series, Vices #Vices2014 / Watching so much Bear Grylls this week / Can't wait for Tringe! Seann Walsh tickets at the ready! / Left my old glasses on a train this week, so it's hello new red glasses and prescription / If you've known me for a while, you'll know how much I love Naked smoothies! Can't decide between Green Machine, Blue Machine or now Red Machine! / My new sunglasses and Tiger Balm were finally delivered, been waiting so long and so excited / Saturday Nights / New Icon / "Welcome to this quiet space" - one of the loveliest things I've ever found in a church yard / Summer afternoons in the church yard

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Good afternoon you lovely lot. Today's post is going to be incredibly different to anything you've read on here before. I'm going to take a stab and say the most unique blog post I've ever done on here. In all honesty, I was debating whether or not to talk about it on here. I am incredibly nervous about posting this and the reception it will receive. However, I like to believe it suits my blog perfectly, and is possibly one of - if not the - most important blog posts I've ever written. So let me get this show on the road and tell you why.

My blog is about fashion, beauty and lifestyle. I'm always talking about aesthetics, and as much as I find a lot of fun in reviewing products (the good and the bad), designing outfits, and talking about new pretty collections, I'd like to affirm that aesthetics are not - and should never be - a priority.

As some of you may know, unlike a lot of bloggers, I come from a little bit of a different background. Although I spend a lot of my adult life writing, my years in school and university were based primarily around art - so art is a highly important factor in my life.

What some of you may not know, is that on the side of my blog, I am an artist. I don't have a speciality. I use and create whatever my mood allows (however I can confidently say that usually these are pen/pencil drawings, paintings, and photographs).

I'd like to take this opportunity today to talk about a series that I have recently began working on - a series very close to my heart - a series called "Vices". I will let my introduction do the talking:

It is with
great pride that I introduce my forthcoming portrait series; “Vices”.

This series
will be compiled of nine close-up portraits of people with distinctive facial
abnormalities, including skin conditions such as; Vitiligo, Nevus,
Lupus, Eczema and acne scarring, and other deformities such as cleft
palate, battle-inflicted scarring, tumours and facial reconstruction). Viewer
discretion is advised.

Understandably,
this is my most controversial work to date, and I must attest that my purpose
for this series is not to mock or satirise - rather to explore the reception of
the unusual - how onlookers become acutely aware of their treatment towards
those with differences, and to respectfully expose the stunning beauty of these
deviances, pressing that scars and disfigurements - although for some may be
considered unnerving - are no greater than aesthetics.

After
careful deliberation, I have chosen American actor Joaquin Phoenix as the
front-man for my series. This decision has been made primarily by virtue of his
facial birth defect - a prominent Microform Cleft Palate running from his nose
to his lips, which has remained untouched by surgeons. As Joaquin Phoenix is a
globally recognised public figure, it is with great faith that his image will
aid to deliver to an all-inclusive audience the message I yearn to impart with; “Your dissemblance can be your vice.”

At present
the sale of this series in undetermined. Once completed, there may be a
potential opportunity to purchase the works separately, or alternatively, as a
collection. Further information on the sale of “Vices” will follow after
consideration to its subsequent reception.

I culminate
my introduction to “Vices” with a collection of citations which inspire this
impending series:

"Nature,
who has the perfect maintenance of laws of her general equilibrium, has
sometimes need of virtues, inspires now this impulse, now that one, in
accordance with what she requires." - Marquis de Sade

"The
lessons of life amount not to wisdom, but to scar tissue and callus." -
Wallace Stegner, ‘The Spectator Bird’

"Some
people see scars and it is wounding they remember. To me they are proof of the
fact that there is healing." - Linda Hogan

"There
have been times in my life that I’ve had a tonne of vices, and my demons have
run amok for years and years and years." - Ron White

"Scars
show us where we have been, they do not dictate where we are going." -
David Rossi

"A
portion of mankind take pride in their vices and pursue their purpose; many
waver between doing what is right and complying with what is wrong." -
Horace

"Our
virtues are most frequently but vices disguised." - Juvenal

"It has
been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues." -
Abraham Lincoln

Please
regard my Copyright to “Vices”, and if you wish to contact me in regards to my
forthcoming series and future commission-based work, please do not hesitate to
do contact me at: keelysheridan@gmail.com

_________________________________________________________________

Hopefully you may have already caught on to why I'm posting this to my fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog. If not, don't worry, I'll break it down. I've posted it here because I would really like everybody reading this to know that it's not just those with flawless skin, beautiful eyes, a stunning smile and a great fashion sense who are beautiful. Heck, it's not even close.

We like to surround ourselves with beauty, we like to feel content knowing what that the world around us is beautiful - it's a basic instinct, if something looks good, it probably behaves/tastes/smells good, too. Thus, we want it to be a part of our lives.

But what if something doesn't look how we think it ought to? What happens when something so unusual that we suddenly become self-aware of how we're behaving around it? Do we still accept this, regardless? Or do we look for something better-looking?

I'd like to take this opportunity to say that it's not always the prettiest fruit that tastes the sweetest.

It's interesting isn't it? The psychology behind aesthetics. Perhaps you have a friend, a family member, a work colleague with a distinguishable difference in their appearance. How obvious was it to you when first meeting them? I can guarantee you thought about it, didn't you? And that's totally okay! But I can also guarantee it's something you look so far past now, that you don't even realise it's still there. It's paled away, because now you know them, and now they're a part of your life. Do you treat these people in your life any differently to anybody else? Of course not!

We handle differences (our own or others') - in of course - very different ways. Some shy away, close doors, don't want to talk about them. Others want to ask every question they can think of in order to gain a better understanding. Some quietly wonder and analyse their own behaviour as so to not upset anybody. Some get abusive because they're not used to the significant change in what they're accustomed to. There are some who don't see a difference.

As completely human as all of these reactions are, I'd like to point out that it really isn't very difficult to become the latter. Difference isn't something to be feared or nervous about, it's not even something that need be questioned - rather just accepted that this is how a person looks. I'd like to live in a world where we are working towards turning "Question followed by acceptance" into "Acceptance without question".

I'm not just talking about the more intense differences such as disfigurements and skin conditions, I'm talking about even small ones - somebody's choice in earrings, if a man chooses to wear a dress or lipstick, somebody's bright nail polish, somebody's haircut... These raise the obvious questions such as; why? But you're a man? But you're a woman? Can you explain that to me, I'm curious? Here is a universal answer to these questions: Because that is their decision today. They have no obligation to be the same person they were yesterday. They have no obligation to apply to a code of conduct.

When you make the decision to "not get involved" with people just because they look different, the only person who misses out, isyou. How do you know that person isn't the most wonderful human you've ever met? How do you know that person isn't your best friend? How do you know that person isn't intelligent, funny, witty, creative? You will never know who you're missing out on, and you'll never know who's day you made, just by being the only person to stop and say hello.This leads on to why I have called my series "Vices". My little sister sent me a message asking me if I was sure if I'd chosen the right name. At first, no, I wasn't sure. Which is why "Vices" is only provisional, for now at least. The word "Vice" suggests immoral, wicked behaviour or characteristics - and rightfully so, my little sister pointed this out to me - and I'm very glad she did. (Brace yourself, the Art Student is coming) This definition is not meant for the subjects of my portraits my any means at all, but more for those who perceive. Those who segregate, those who are malicious, ignorant, rude, "immoral and wicked" towards the subjects. My purpose with this title is reversal. The subjects of the portraits are not "immoral and wicked", but are you?

I'd like to drive this message home. Our differences are what make us ourselves. What good would we be if we were all identical? Next time you see somebody with a difference - really big or really small - it's okay to recognise it. But let's work on looking past them. Let's begin embracing difference. There's no hierarchy here, and we'd do best to remember that.

I would love to hear about your experiences regarding these issues, so please feel free to leave a comment below. If you are (or a friend or family are) affected by today's content, then please do not hesitate to contact me at: keelysheridan@gmail.com for any guidance through these issues. Thank you.

Saturday, 7 June 2014

It's official. Our lady of the year, Lupita Nyong'o is slaying us all at the dressing-for-summer game.

We're fast approaching mid-Jude, and for us here in Britain, as usual, we're not sure we even know it yet. The calendar may say "June" but the weather is telling us a very different story. (I'm not bitter at all that I had to call of going into town today because of the rain/thunderstorm)

Now if you're lucky, you'll have thought ahead and booked a summer getaway to Spain or Greece or somewhere lovely. However, if you're like me, the only time you've thought about a holiday recently is when you're at your desk, papers falling all around you and phones ringing asking for people you've never even heard of - what a nightmare. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a holiday, but it's finding the time and money!

For now, I shall live vicariously through Lupita Nyong'o.

The 31-year-old Lancome Spokesmodel, Oscar winner and total stunner, Lupita, was spotted a few days ago on one of the lovely beaches of Maui soaking up the sun and enjoying a bit of free time just ahead of the Maui Film Festival.

Truly showing us how beachwear is done, Lupita donned a super chic scalloped white bikini with a silver belly chain, a straw sun hat, simple sparkling studs, and big tortoiseshell glasses (as if her toned bod and the fact she's in Maui wasn't enough to envy!)

This isn't the first time recently that Lupita has made us sigh; "I wish I had that outfit/why isn't that me?" Lest we forget her colourful number at the Maui Film Festival and her ever-so-classy outfit of choice for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. (Loving the sun hats!)

Lupita Nyong'o has never been one to shy away from striking colours, and we love her for it! But this introduction to classic monochrome wardrobe is just as beautiful. So for Lupita we've got; Actor - check, Model - check, Spokeswoman - check, Yale Graduate - check, bilingual - check, Oscar Award Winner - check, fashion icon - check. Seriously guys, is there nothing this woman can't do?

So long, Easter chocolate! (Which I'd saved for so long) / Wagamamas with the work crew / Checking out a Broadway House with work (as seen on Made in Chelsea) / Broadway House / Broadway House / A new Selfridges campaign (sneaky clue for an upcoming blog post - stay tuned) / Pretty rainbow after a busy day in London / Blue flowers at home / Coffee and Walnut cake - delish! /

My new favourite perfume / Almond Magnum / Loving popping reds, corals, oranges and pinks this season / Can't wait to see Maleficient this week / Setting up for Becky and David's Silver Wedding Anniversary / The Party - Our Love Story / "10 Pounds of Frank" play for the first time in front of a live audience / New icon for The British Trend / My favourite photograph to ever grace the internet - Michael J. Fox behind the scenes of Back to the Future '85 /

Hello everybody, and happy Monday! (Yeah, right!) so last time we had a chat, I was telling you all about the Pulse Exhibition event, which that was good fortnight ago. Understandably, I haven't been all that consistent lately! Things are still settling down for me with regards to events and organising posts, add that to being out-and-about working 12 hours a day, 5 days a week and the limited amount of time you get to yourself is spent either eating or sleeping! I'm hoping to sort out my timetable so that every Sunday there's a new blog post!

Okay so I know today is Monday, but this post has been a long time coming. Today's post is going to be a good ol' review, so grab yourself a cup of tea and take a moment for yourself out of your busy schedule to wind down. Because who said Mondays have to be chaotic? They can be just as relaxing as Sundays.

Today's review is all about my new top from House of Fraser. It's called the 'Dicks and Jones Top Eva Sciffly Scallop Color'. Now as you know by now, my reviews are completely honest, I'm not going to beat about the bush, because I want to give you guys the best possible stance so you can make up your own mind about products you see on my blog - so here goes!

My friend Glosinda from House of Fraser popped this in the post for me a little while ago, and it only arrived recently (as there was a problem with postage on my end, the postman came knocking when nobody was in). When it arrived, I couldn't wait to open it and try it on. My first impression was really positive. The t-shirt itself is off-white, a true "scallop" colour (lighter than cream, darker than white) and fore someone who loves to wear monochrome, greys and cream, I was automatically drawn to it.

I took a bit of a gamble and ordered this top in a medium, my logic was "How can you go wrong with a medium?" Somehow, I went wrong since this t-shirt is too big for me. Usually this would be fine, but as it's verging on 'far-too-big-for-me' I'm not sure I can wear this top exactly how I had intended to wear it without it looking a bit silly, which is disappointing - but totally my own fault as I took the gamble. So is this product true to size? I think it comes up bigger than how you'd expect it to. Which I suppose is better than it coming up smaller than expected, but this t-shirt feels somewhat like a large on me (I usually vary from 6-10 in tops depending on the style).

Before this t-shirt even arrived, I was thinking about ways I could style it. I would certainly opt for a pair of black skinny jeans, scallop sandals and gold jewellery (as pictured below). Because this top is so versatile, you could wear this casually or for work.

The style of this top really is very pretty. The colour allows for versatility (which means you can pair it with lots of different colours), and the Peter Pan collar is lovely - personally, I think this is the best feature of the t-shirt. The matching pattern on the collar, the sleeves and front pocket give this top a unique look and will add something a little special to a monochrome outfit. If I had to change one thing about the style of the top, I would probably lose the front pocket, as I'm not sure I like that element, but it really is a very pretty top.

Overall, if I had to put a number on my satisfaction with this product, it would probably be a 7.5/10 (very precise). I think you get what's offered with this t-shirt. The unique detailing is lovely, and as I personally like white/cream simple designs, it ticks a box for me. The only thing that knocks it down slightly for me is that I personally don't feel the t-shirt was true to size, as it feels more like a large on me than a medium - but then that was probably my own fault for taking the gamble without knowing for sure! I really like this product, and it's the first item of clothing I've ever gotten from House of Faser, so I'll definitely be looking there again. If you like what you see here, then check out House of Faser and (and their new season offers) here!